Promoting Research into the Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Although there is substantial evidence from neuroimaging studies that the brain of a child with autism is undergoing abnormal development, little is known about the underlying cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms that lead to the onset of autistic symptoms.

Watch a SFARI webinar by David Amaral and Alison Singer to learn why Autism Research Takes Brains.Read more »

Scientists who advance understanding of autism through research with postmortem tissue.Read more »

Although there is substantial evidence from neuroimaging studies that the brain of a child with autism is undergoing abnormal development, little is known about the underlying cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms that lead to the onset of autistic symptoms. The only way to answer questions related to the fundamental genetic and neuropathological aspects of autism spectrum disorder is to study brain tissue from individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Studies of postmortem brain tissue will lead the way to better prevention, treatment and cure of autism spectrum and related neurodevelopmental disorders.